Enter Myrtle Beach and you’ll be greeted by 60 miles of beachfront, 650 acres of public recreation property, and dozens of parks and beaches. This South Carolina destination welcomes about 14 million visitors yearly, dwarfing the off-season population of about 30,000. And it’s not only beaches and natural beauty pulling in tourists; Myrtle Beach dubs itself mini golf capital of the world.
We’ve combed the beach to find five budget-friendly options in Myrtle Beach. Take note, however, that even the cheapest properties tend to soar in price during summer, especially on weekends.
Breakers Resort Hotel
From $185/ night
Sitting on a the “Grand Strand” (that aforementioned 60 miles of beachfront), the Breakers Resort hotel seems like a no-brainer if you’re looking for oceanside options in Myrtle Beach. There are plenty of other aquatic delights here as well, especially the water park with indoor and outdoor pools. It boasts a play pirate ship and lazy river. While the kids plunder imagined treasure, parents can indulge at the 17,000 square foot Cinzia Spa —or work on their physiques at the modern gym. The family can reconvene for dinner at the Red Parrot Cafe, or if that sounds too exhausting there’s always the on-site ice cream shoppe.
Dayton House Resort
From $109/night
With direct beach access, multiple pools, a lazy river, and an umbrella-populated lounge, the Dayton House Resort is a fine choice for beach bums and stressed-out working parents alike. There are plenty of ways to relax here, from a fitness center to sauna and hot tub. Food can be had at Uncle John’s Restaurant, an avuncular eatery serving up breakfast and lunch. Yella Umbrella, meanwhile, doles out poolside cocktails and snacks if you don’t feel like leaving the sun’s warm embrace.
Towers at North Myrtle Beach
From $93 / night
This property certainly lives up to its name, with its squat, wide architecture looming over the oceanfront. Enjoy the view with a balcony-outfitted room —or dive into the pleasures of free wifi. Rooms are also equipped with a full kitchen (stovetop, oven, dishwasher, fridge, microwave), TV and DVD player, and the hotel promises “free, unlimited DVDs” for rental. A fitness center, hot tub and pool are available. Past guests seem to enjoy the quality of the guest rooms, and couples have rated it highly.
Coral Beach Resort
From $122 / night
Praise for this property’s pool area is a recurring feature of guests’ reviews. There are ten pools on-site, as well as a lazy river and water park that looks enticingly vibrant under the South Carolina sunshine. The recreation (and opportunity to entertain the kids) doesn’t stop there: there’s a bowling alley, arcade, table games and an ice cream and snack bar to satisfy sweet-tooths of any age. A fitness center and sauna are available for more solitary adventures. In addition to the snack bar, there’s on-site dining at a seasonal bar and grill. As for the beach? It’s a minute away. You can stake out a good spot from your private balcony, offered with each room.
Surfside Beach Resort
From $152 / night
This oceanfront hotel offers rooms with a view: balconies, free wifi, a TV and fridge come standard with each room at this resort. A beachfront bar and outdoor pool add to the aquatic delights. Fancy some fishing, perhaps? The Surfside Pier is right next door, promising a placid day of hook, line and sinker. Past guests have lauded the Surfside’s cleanliness, polite staff and stellar location. The decor is modern and fresh but not intimidating. A weekly karaoke night at the on-site bar supplements the good fun (book for a Thursday if you’re interested).